Rob’s Album Of The Week: Toad & The Stooligans’ Jesus Juice

A few things have changed with Toad & The Stooligans since they self-released their 2017 debut full length, Very Handsome. Originally from the southern Rhode Island town of Coventry, this talented hip hop quintet of frontman Mike Jencks, guitarist & co-vocalist Dan Pomfret, drummer Matt O’Brien, bassist Alex Caimano and keyboardist Daniel Hill have become a force in Providence’s music scene. One major thing that has changed is how they’ve grown from exhibiting jazzy rhymes to incorporating numerous elements into their sound. This fearless approach is evident in their sophomore LP, Jesus Juice, that’s due out on September 25. There’s a wide range of styles that’s bound to take the senses on a sonic expedition.

As each song gets played, the band dives into hearfelt R&B, contemporary pop, groovy funk, showtune vibes and even some soulful gospel. The way Jencks and Pomfret feed off of each other on vocals is something special. Jencks is confidently direct with his lyrics while Pomfret does the same in some instances while also adding doses of harmony. When an act puts out their follow up to their first installment, artistic growth is a very important characteristic. Toad & The Stooligans accomplish this in an unconventional way while maintaining their signature flow.